DANB Chemical Disinfectants & Sterilants Flashcards
7 cards from real DANB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 DANB Chemical Disinfectants & Sterilants flashcards as text
When using glutaraldehyde as a chemical sterilant, how should the solution concentration be monitored?
Answer: Using minimum effective concentration (MEC) test strips
MEC test strips are used to verify that the glutaraldehyde solution maintains the minimum effective concentration required for high-level disinfection or sterilization.
Which personal protective equipment is required when handling chemical sterilants such as glutaraldehyde or OPA?
Answer: Utility gloves, eye protection, and a face mask or respirator
Chemical sterilants are irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory mucosa; utility gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection (mask or respirator) are required when handling these agents.
What does 'contact time' mean in the context of surface disinfection?
Answer: The time the surface must remain visibly wet with the disinfectant
Contact time refers to the minimum time the surface must remain visibly wet with the disinfectant solution to achieve the intended level of microbial kill.
Which type of chemical agent would be most appropriate for reprocessing heat-sensitive dental instruments that cannot withstand autoclave sterilization?
Answer: High-level disinfectant/chemical sterilant such as glutaraldehyde
High-level disinfectants or chemical sterilants like glutaraldehyde are used for heat-sensitive critical and semi-critical instruments that cannot withstand heat sterilization methods.
A dental assistant notices that the glutaraldehyde solution has turned yellow and smells different than usual. What should she do?
Answer: Discard the solution and prepare a fresh batch
Color change or unusual odor indicates the solution has degraded and may no longer be effective; it should be discarded and replaced with a fresh, properly mixed solution.
Which statement about iodophor disinfectants is correct?
Answer: They are intermediate-level disinfectants that require dilution per manufacturer instructions
Iodophors are intermediate-level disinfectants that must be properly diluted per label instructions; undiluted iodophor is less effective and not recommended for surface disinfection.
According to dental infection control standards, which surfaces should receive chemical disinfection between patients rather than barrier protection alone?
Answer: Surfaces that are difficult to cover with barriers and were potentially contaminated
Surfaces that are difficult or impractical to protect with barriers and were potentially contaminated during patient care should receive disinfection between patients.